Palmeiras looking to extend Marcos Assunção's career for 2 more years

Lancenet are reporting that Palmeiras are looking to extend the contract of midfielder Marcos Assunção for 2 more years, despite reservations from the Conselho de Orientação e Fiscalização (Council of Guidance and Control) over the player’s age and salary.

Palmeiras lost once again this weekend, falling 1-0 away to 10th place Náutico and their place in the top flight of Brazilian football is under serious threat. They currently sit in 18th place in the Brasileirão which is 9 points from safety.

The former Roma and Real Betis star joined the São Paulo club in 2010 after a spell in the U.A.E and earlier this season led the club to victory in the Copa do Brasil. Lifting this trophy guaranteed the club a spot in next year's Copa Libertadores. Yet at the moment it looks like they will be competing in the competition as a Serie B side.

However, Assunção refuses to give up hope of survival. Before this weekend's fixtures he told Globo Esporte:

"As captain, I'll keep on going. I'll be the first to be in this fight, pulling my teammates and giving them strength.

"Scolari [Previous coach sacked last month] once gave me a note that said: "Old Tigers to perceive death, fight until the end." It is ten battles. I'm sure we will not fall. I will give my life for it."